Dole recently sent a letter to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh defending McCain’s conservatism. Limbaugh and a number of other conservative commentators have angrily criticized McCain since he entered the race. Asked to respond to the letter, Romney said, Dole is “probably the last person I would have wanted to have write a letter for me.”

McCain was indignant that Romney wouldn’t want a supportive letter from the former Senate majority leader, failed presidential candidate and Viagra pitchman. “It’s sad to see that comment about an American war hero who served our party so well,” McCain said on his chartered plane before taking off from Newark, N.J., to California. “Gov. Romney should apologize to Bob Dole,” he said. (Statement)

The Arizona senator, while defending Dole, then recalled the Kansan’s futile run for the White House in 1996. McCain campaigned with Dole the last three weeks of that run. “I was along on that 96-hour trek idea that he had,” McCain said before letting out a snort of gentle disparagement for Dole’s quixotic last-minute campaign stunt. “The bowling alley in Iowa and the five-and-dime in Phoenix and all of that,” McCain recalled.

Asked how he feels about today’s state contests, McCain said “Feeling good. I think we are doing very well. We need a big voter turnout. We always need big voter turnouts. I understand the weather in California is going to be good today so that will help.”

Polls show McCain and Romney neck-and-neck in the crucial Golden State, though McCain maintains leads elsewhere. “I’m always nervous and I’m always superstitious and I’m a pain in a certain part of the anatomy to most of my friends and associates especially today,” he said.

McCain was not the only senator to take umbrage at Romney’s remark. North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr, a McCain supporter and state colleague to Sen. Elizabeth Dole, Bob Dole’s wife, promptly released a statement calling on Romney to apologize as well. “Gov. Romney’s comments only work to continue to divide Republicans,” Burr said. “It is one thing to attack your campaign opponent, but it is another to insult a well respected American hero like Bob Dole.”

Update at 5:30 p.,m.: Romney clarified his Dole comments to reporters in West Virginia earlier today, saying that he has nothing but respect for the former senator. “Let me make it very clear. Sen. Dole is an American hero, a war hero, a fine man and a great leader for our party,” Romney said. The former Massachusetts governor said he merely meant to argue that giving the nomination to someone “out of sense of obligation” is the problem. Romney was almost effusive in his praise of Dole. “I know him, like him, respect his leadership, think he has a great sense of humor. I believe I was contributor to his presidential campaign, but it’s been awhile since I pulled those checks out–If I wasn’t I should have been,” he said. Dole was the failed 1996 Republican nominee for president against Bill Clinton.

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.